Ghaly announces retirement from football

CAIRO – 23 April 2018: Veteran Al-Ahly midfielder Hossam Ghaly held a press conference on Monday to announce his retirement from football by the end of the season.

“It is a very tough decision to make. I gave all my life to football and I want to thank all my coaches, teammates and the fans who supported me during my whole career,” Ghaly told press on Monday.

The midfielder joined Al-Ahly at the age of 15 from Biyala, Kafr el-Sheikh and got promoted through the club rankings until he joined the first team at 19.

“Al-Ahly is the club of my life and I did everything I can to make Al-Ahly fans happy,” added Ghaly.

Ghaly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the history of the club and he also had many spells abroad. He represented Feyenoord, Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County, Al Nassr and Lierse.

Al-Ahly manager Hossam el-Badry praised Ghaly during the conference, saying, “I knew Hossam since he was a kid. He is an idol for the next generations.”

Asked about why he chose to play his last game against Ajax, he said, “I wanted to face my ex-club, Feyenoord, but they had a game on the same day, so Ajax became my choice. They are a big team in Europe and I am so happy to face them at my retirement game.”

Ghaly’s retirement match is scheduled for May 11 against Ajax Amsterdam at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in UAE.